The Dallas Mavs acquired forward Grant Williams from the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade and multi-team deal that also includes the San Antonio Spurs. The Mavs add a versatile and defensive-minded forward with Williams, and the Celtics continue to assemble a potential championship squad during a highly active offseason.

The Spurs acquire forward Reggie Bullock and a protected first-round pick swap in 2030 from the Mavs as the third-team in this deal. The Celtics will acquire two second-round draft picks for sending Williams to the Mavs.

Williams, 24, signed a new four-year contract worth $54 million with the Mavs as a part of the sign-and-trade with the Celtics. He recently underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left hand after the Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs.

The Celtics posted a 57-25 record under rookie head coach Joe Mazzulla last season, who guided them to the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The #8 Miami Heat knocked out the Celtics in the conference finals.

Heading into next season, the Celtics are +215 odds and the betting favorite to win the Eastern Conference championship for a second time in the last three seasons.

The defending champion Denver Nuggets are the consensus favorite to win the 2023-24 NBA championship at +475 odds and run it back next season. The Celtics are the second championship favorite on DraftKings’ NBA futures board at +500 odds.

Celtics, Williams Part Ways After 4 Years

The 6-foot-6 Williams played his collegiate ball at Tennessee. The Celtics selected him with the #22 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. During his four-season tint with the Celtics, Williams started 58 games including 23 games this past season.

Williams saw a gradual increase in playing time in every season, which was reflected in his scoring average. He logged approximately 26 minutes of court time per game this season, while setting career highs in points, rebounds, and assists.

Williams averaged 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game off the bench as part of the Celtics’ second unit. He shot 39.5% from 3-point range in 2022-23, and he’s a career 37.9% shooter from downtown including 43% on corner treys.

Williams had several big moments in individual playoff games during the last four seasons including a career-high 27 points and seven 3-points against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2022 playoffs.

A streaky-shooting Williams lacked consistency in the postseason, which is one of the primary reasons why the Celtics decided to let him go.

The Celtics recently signed Indiana Pacers swingman Oshae Brissett to bolster their bench, and he’ll replace Williams in the rotation.

Stevens Shuffles Deck with Another Trade

Celtics general manager Brad Stevens has been very active this offseason. He traded guard Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal that included the Washington Wizards sending center Kristpas Porzingis to the Celtics.

Stevens attempted to trade the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon to the Los Angeles Clippers in the original deal for Porzingis with the Wizards. However, the Clippers declined the Brogdon trade due to his health status. Stevens quickly pivoted and dealt Smart to the Grizzlies in order to acquire Porzingis from the Wizards.

Stevens is still interested in trading Brogdon. The Toronto Raptors



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